CHAPTER 3

John's POV

I can't seem to stop thinking about Julia while I wait for her.

I had previously considered her to be fantastic. She is, in my opinion, a wonderful person.

To be honest, I felt embarrassed while I was with her since it felt like there was some type of electricity in her twinkling eyes that I couldn't explain.

I also managed to forget about Kate's pain once I was around her as if I hadn't just gone through a painful break-up.

I adjusted myself as I looked at the door and saw Julia come out and approach me "I apologize for keeping you waiting. So, how about we get started?" She was kind, and it was clear that she was looking forward to our trip.

"There's no need to apologize. It's perfectly OK," I stated with a smile on my face. When she nodded, I yanked her around the city.

We live in Camella Homes and have lived there for approximately a year. We walked to this small town and showed him the routes and detours till we were both dumbfounded.

I had no idea where we were because I figured we were just strolling around until I realized we were at the Grand Palace Restaurant.

We walked a little too far, and it was a little uncomfortable. I didn't know where to begin, but I made an attempt to break the silence.

"Do you think you'll like it here? I am talking about here in Butuan City. Butuan and Davao City are not the same."

She smiled and nodded "Yes, indeed! This is a nice place to be. But it's not too crowded, and I'm missing my friends," she explained, "At school, others are nice as well, though not everyone, and I made a new friend, Queen."

As she went on, I nodded "Regarding your friend King, I have the feeling that he loves Queen but suppresses his feelings. But don't bother, it's just my crazy instinct. It's all due to the way he teases Queen."

I stopped and turned to face her, saying, "You sensed it as well," we both chuckled. "I usually try to persuade King to confess to her, but he refuses. Perhaps it's because Queen is a nerd and King is a well-known basketball player."

"It was the same at my old school; you'll be lucky if you're not famous and dating a hunk."

It was as though I felt something in my body as she smiled, "Good thing and I'm not like them," it's something like sparks again.

"Really?" she questioned sarcastically before abruptly leaving me as she walked away quickly.

Woooooow!

I followed her up because she ran. All of a sudden, I stumbled on a rock!

"Despite the fact that there is no water, why are you swimming there?" Julia cracked a sheepish smile.

I seemed a little astounded by her because I had no idea she had this aspect of her. That was a superb one!

"You're going to pay for this, Avery! Argh!" I was joking, and I stood up and shook the dirt off my hoodie and jeans.

"Are we now on a last-name basis? Okay, ANDERSON, it's fine with me. I'll pay in full," she made me chuckle since she was emphasizing my surname.

"Are you a player of the basketball team?" she inquired cynically, "As to what, exactly? Benchwarmer?"

I acted to be surprised. I know she's joking, yet, "Please excuse me. Ever since, I've become the best shooter in the universe. I've always been active, that I've been well-known since I was in 8th grade," I told her proudly.

"So, that indicates you're dating someone because most basketball players have a girlfriend," she said, putting her arm around me as if I were simply a cool mate.

My jolly expression turned completely serious after hearing it.

I haven't even thought about Kate all night, and that isn't it. Since the breakup a month ago, this is the first time I've felt so alive.

"Perhaps we shouldn't talk about that anymore," I suggested as she glanced at me.

Her smile faded slightly, and all she did was nod "Okay, that's enough. Please accept my apologies." Her voice sounded softer, like if she were an angel. "So, where exactly are we right now?" she asked as she peered around.

I grinned and imagined where we would be heading "Hey, come on! We're going towards my favorite place," I said and then yanked her away.

We easily walk to the Capitol and keep heading to Hugot Coffee shop.

"Welcome to the city of -"

"Welcome as well," I said quietly. As my friend saw me at their coffee shop, he was blown away.

"Amazing! What are you doing in this place? Shouldn't you just be weeping right now? Have you moved on, ......?" Then he spotted Julia, he stopped and just seemed surprised.

Even I was confused as to how he looked astonished when he looked down, and why he acted that way.

"What happened to you, bro?" I asked as soon as I glanced, I can see my hand was still holding hers.

I reverted it immediately because I was uncomfortable and didn't want my friend Derek Jones to think something else.

"Anyway, this is Julia Avery," I said, "She's our new next-door neighbor. Julia, this is my friend, Derek Jones," I said as I gazed towards her.

"Hello," Julia said with a smile, "It's nice to meet you," she said.

"It's also great to meet you. Come on over here, grab a seat, and maybe order something," As Derek suggested, we sat at a two-person table.

"Awesome. Derek, can you show me where your restroom is?" Derek indicated the direction of their restroom. Derek came up to stand with me as Julia walked away.

"Wow! That was quick. Is this your new chick?"

"You moron, she's simply my neighbor," I laughed, "she's my friend."

"Let's admit it, bro. You've been thinking about Kate, so you're just in denial."

"Oh, dude, shut up."

Julia came to the table and spoke with Derek, "It is quite comfortable here. But is there anything restaurants over there?" She indicated a different place outside.

"There are a few fast foods and restaurant alternatives. Calda Pizza and Ice Factory is a pizza and ice cream parlor in Calda, California. The Backyard Restaurant is located on the opposite side of the road. There are numerous restaurants in this area."

"Did you know that his family owns and operates this restaurant?" Julia was flabbergasted when I told her the story.

Derek handed us the menu and stated, "Our family owns this and our house is just nearby."

"What do you want? Have you already decided what you want to order? Don't worry, I'll pay it," While deciding on the menu, I reassured her.

"Okay. Then it's just the dessert. Ice cream mixed cookies and cream," I gave a nod.

I turned to Derek while clutching a list.

"Just two ice creams, bro; you know what my favorite flavor is," I muttered something, and Derek walked out in front of us to serve out our orders.

Derek sat on the other side of the table after the ice cream was delivered.

"Can you tell me where you're studying?" Derek enquired about Julia. Why isn't he informed of it? Maybe he was absent from class yet again.

"Agusan High," she replied, smiling at him as she ate her ice cream.

"Is that right? What strand are you taking? Isn't it really nice at school, even though the path is a rocky one?"

When he inquired, I quietly tapped him on the shoulder, "Ooh my! Bro! What was that for?!"

"Why do you keep on asking? Where were you at school this morning?" I inquired.

"I didn't go to school because I was late for class. Last night, there were a lot of customers, so I stayed up all night," With one hand on his back, he said.

So there you have it. Isn't he incredibly dedicated? Hopefully, I will also be a hard-working person.

"And that's the reason. She is our new classmate in our class. Didn't you see it in our group chat if that's the case?"

Derek's eyes widened as he fixed his gaze on Julia, "Oh, my bad. That's what they meant about the transferee."

"Yes, that's me. I'm the only new student and transferee in the school. By the way, please add me to the group chat. Are you the only one working here? I mean, you work at all hours of the day and night?" Julia asked as she ate.

"It would only happen once. I'm overloaded, especially at school. I don't work on weekdays as there are so many assignments, especially projects. My parents are resting temporarily, so I only worked last night. Now, as they've left for a party, I'll work today, but promise, bro, I'll go to bed early today so I can get up early tomorrow."

"Good luck with that," I remarked, and we resumed chatting.

Julia's POV

We were having a good time chatting, although it was ten five in the evening. I recall the curfew, and the subdivision is still quite a bit further away.

Regarding my mother, I am truly doomed. I'm not eighteen yet, therefore maybe I'll be caught in jail.

I swiftly shifted my gaze to John, "I believe we must go, John. It's past ten o'clock. I didn't notice the time."

"Oh no, I completely forgot about it. We won't take long, bro. I had forgotten about the curfew."

He glanced at his wristwatch "Yes, you are right. Anyway, thanks a lot, as well as you, Julia. Take care, you two." We nodded and walked away.

We were only walking because the area was so quiet, with no cars in view. To my mother, I am truly dead. She gets irritated when I don't follow her rules.

We were still walking into Camella Homes, and she was still a long way away.

It was around eleven o'clock when we arrived, and I was convinced I'd be dead by then "By the way, I am so sorry for what I said earlier. I'm sure what I said offended you. It's all in fun about your basketball skills."

"It's all good now. I know that you're joking, but that's not really the reason."

"What was that about?" I asked, wondering.

"Do you remember asking if I had a girlfriend?" Then I nodded, and I realized what's been really happening.

"You should go in, Lia," he said with a smile, "They could be on the lookout for you."

"Definitely," I said with a smile. "By the way, I really liked the new nickname. It's very unique."

I was ready to walk into the house when he called out, "Tomorrow at four o'clock at the coffee shop?" he asked.

"It's all good. We'll meet again tomorrow," I smiled at him, and he returned my smile.

"Okay, I'll see you soon. Good night, Lia." Then he walked away, and I walked into the house.

It was pitch black inside when I came in. In the pitch blackness, I could barely see. They've already fallen asleep.

I was going to go upstairs when someone came out from the kitchen.

It was Mom, and I could tell she was angry once more "Julia Elaine Avery! Do you have any idea what time it is?! I said you had to be home by ten o'clock!"

I approached her after she yelled, and she was outraged.

"I am sorry for the delay. We were walking home without a tricycle because I didn't realize the time. We had a good time talking with my new friends."

Mom's brow was furrowed. This time, I'm not sure what her problem is.

I've already expressed my regret. "Did you forgot our rules before we moved here?" I wondered aloud.

"Obviously not. First and foremost, studies must be a top priority. Second, no boyfriend. Third, be at home at eight o'clock on weekdays and ten o'clock on weekends. Fourth, I'll assist you in looking after Shan and -"

"What specifically did you just say? Assisting me in looking after Shan?" Mom inquired, surprised, and moved closer to me.

"Yes, because I'm still studying," I said softly.

"Helping me? Studying? Isn't that your job to take care of that?" I was seized by fear, "Have you forgotten who came up to me and cried when she found out she was pregnant? Don't you remember that you made a mistake? And now you're entrusting me with your child's care?"

I turned pale and was in pain at the same moment.

"Is Shan a mistake for you, Mom? Is that it? Wow, this is incredible. You're going to say he's just a mistake when he is your grandson?!" I screamed and sprinted to my room.

My eyes gleamed up with tears. This isn't the first time Mom and I have gotten involved in an argument. It just keeps happening, and she constantly puts the blame on me!

But I believe she is right, although not exactly right. Shan is never a mistake, but I am.

I am a seventeen-year-old girl who becomes pregnant after a relationship with a reckless guy. As a result, I should accept that I made a bad decision!

I'm well known which I've made terrible decisions and choices in my life, but I regret everything which happen when my despised ex-boyfriend abandoned me to his desires.

Shan also awoke to cry as a result of such sobbing. He seems to have the same emotions as her mother.

"Sssh, Mommy is here," I said as I grasped him. I smiled and kissed his forehead as he fell silent and giggled.

"Baby, I love you. Thanks for making me happy."